4-on-4 Box Screening is a fundamental defensive drill that teaches how to guard both pin-down screens and back screens. The emphasis is on defensive positioning, communication, and screen negotiation. Players learn to call screens out early, loud, and often while maintaining proper help-side positioning. This drill starts in a controlled dummy setting and can progress into a live segment, making it a versatile part of any defensive package.

Setup and Organization
The coach stands at the top of the key with a ball, serving as the designated passer. Four offensive players are positioned with a wing and a forward in each short corner. Four defensive players match up accordingly. The drill begins on the coach’s whistle, with one side initiating a pin-down screen. The defense must communicate and adjust properly while maintaining help-side principles.

Step-by-Step Progression
On a pin-down, the defender guarding the screener drops to allow room while the defender of the cutter shoots the gap, avoiding contact and beating the offensive player to the spot. The screener re-spaces to the short corner, and the cutter looks to be available for a pass. The coach then passes to a perimeter player, triggering a defensive closeout with correct on-ball and off-ball positioning. The ball is then returned to the coach, and the next action is a back screen. On the back screen, the screener’s defender again communicates early and drops for space, while the cutter’s defender shoots the gap to avoid contact and beat the cutter to position. The defense repeats these adjustments side-to-side, maintaining positioning and communication. After several repetitions, the coach may blow the whistle to turn the drill into a live 4-on-4 segment.

Scoring
The defensive unit must successfully negotiate multiple screens for 20 seconds without mistakes. If they succeed, they rotate out; if they fail (missed assignment, poor communication, breakdown in positioning), they remain on defense against the next offensive unit. Offensive and defensive groups rotate throughout the drill.

Coaching Points
Stress early, loud, and consistent communication on every screen. Defenders should shoot the gap and avoid contact, while screen defenders drop and give space to contain. Reinforce help-side positioning with elbows and boxes filled properly. Ensure closeouts follow DOC principles: sprint two-thirds, chop one-third, high hands, and under control.

Variations
Progress the drill into a live 4-on-4 segment once defensive principles are consistent. Add scoring options that fit your defensive or offensive philosophy to increase competitiveness.